A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thessaloniki vs. Vienna for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Vienna?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Vienna? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a high energy, bustling, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Vienna

Vienna is a traditional, artistic, and musical city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Vienna?

Both Vienna and Thessaloniki have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Thessaloniki is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Vienna is more popular for its music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Vienna is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Thessaloniki is well known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections.

How is Thessaloniki different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vienna and Thessaloniki. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Thessaloniki or Vienna?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Thessaloniki and Vienna.

Thessaloniki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

Many visitors head to Vienna specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Is the Food Better in Thessaloniki or Vienna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Vienna both to be very good destinations.

Thessaloniki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Dining out in Vienna is an experience not to be missed. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

Is Thessaloniki or Vienna Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Thessaloniki has a large number of nightlife venues. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Thessaloniki or Vienna Better for Music?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Thessaloniki is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Vienna. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Thessaloniki is not a live music destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Vienna Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is a decent place to visit for the beache. However, Vienna is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Thessaloniki. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Vienna is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Vienna is revered around the world. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Vienna?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Vienna draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Thessaloniki. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

Is Thessaloniki or Vienna Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Vienna.

Thessaloniki is a family-friendly city. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Vienna. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Thessaloniki or Vienna Better for Couples?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Vienna makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Thessaloniki or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Vienna is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Is Thessaloniki or Vienna Better for Students?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Vienna. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Thessaloniki is very popular with students. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Is Thessaloniki or Vienna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Vienna is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Vienna can get you around easily. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

You'll find some public transit in Thessaloniki, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

Is Thessaloniki or Vienna a more walkable city?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Vienna. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Thessaloniki Worth Visiting? and Is Vienna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Vienna?

In either Thessaloniki or Vienna, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than Thessaloniki because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 2-5 days is enough time in Vienna.

Families should spend more time in Vienna than Thessaloniki. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Vienna, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Vienna than Thessaloniki. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Vienna that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Thessaloniki or Vienna?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Thessaloniki. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Vienna, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this traditional city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Vienna?

Thessaloniki is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Vienna is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Vienna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Vienna, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this artistic destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Thessaloniki or Vienna?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling destination of Thessaloniki. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Vienna is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

When comparing the travel costs between Thessaloniki and Vienna, we can see that Vienna is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Thessaloniki Expensive? and Is Vienna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Vienna, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Thessaloniki or Vienna?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Vienna in the Summer?

Both Vienna and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Vienna in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Vienna in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Vienna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Vienna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Vienna during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Vienna. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Vienna in the Autumn?

Both Vienna and Thessaloniki during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vienna for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Vienna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Vienna averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Vienna. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 140 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Vienna. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Vienna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Vienna. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Vienna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vienna can be very cold. In January, Thessaloniki is generally much warmer than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Vienna during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Vienna. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Vienna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Vienna. The spring months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Vienna this time of year.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Vienna in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Vienna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vienna. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 202 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Vienna. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vienna and Thessaloniki